Says Polanco, "When Season 3 comes out, people are gonna have a lot to say."

The actress says that focus will be given to Daya's questioning of her relationship with Bennett, an originally sweet bond that grew complicated after she got pregnant and he refused to take responsibility.

"You’re going to see a lot more growth," she says. "She makes decisions... I think the beauty of TV is being able to show experience, growth, maturity — to be able to show the audience progression."

And then, of course, there's the pregnancy. Although Polanco won't say if a baby can be expected this season, she does hint at her character's uncertain future.

"At some point she has to give birth," she says, bluntly. "That’s what happens when you’re pregnant — hopefully."

She mentions miscarriage as a possibility, but is careful not to give any of the options particular weight.

"There’s a lot of stuff that happens," she says. "We’ll see when it comes out."

Expectations for OITNB's third season are high, especially after the show's 12 Emmy nominations last year. Polanco admits that there's "definitely more pressure" this time around, but that the series' large fanbase inspires the cast to do better work.

"It’s a lot of pressure on the person, because it’s a new field for me, a new career, and now I have a following of people that are looking up to me," she says. "But it also motivates you in your career to do more and be the best that you can be."

Which means delving even deeper into Daya, already one of the series' most interesting complex characters. Talking about the inmate, the affection in Polanco's voice is obvious, even before she calls Daya her "girlfriend."

"When you do TV, you start to have a relationship with your character," she says, happily. "There’s more time to explore... I’ve had three years with Daya, and I got to grow."